Governor Paterson pulls proposed 'nuisance taxes' off the table due to stimulus funding

ALBANY, N.Y. (WKTV) - Some taxpayers and businesses can breathe a sigh of relief for the time being, as Governor David Paterson and other state officials announced that they will be eliminating $1.3 billion in tax increases that were in the proposed 2009-2010 State Budget.

Clothing donations to homeless veterans hopes to get them back on their feet

ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - They say clothes make the man. And in a job market that's already slim, it's hard for veterans who can't even afford food and shelter to get the attire they need to pick themselves up again and enter the work world. But the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs hopes to do something about that.

Craft brew sales on the rise as more offbeat beer flavors hit Superbowl coolers

MARCY, N.Y. (WKTV) - The beer business is booming despite the recession. And while you may be used to seeing the Superbowl standbys of Budweiser, Coors, Labatts, and others sitting on ice this Sunday, you might be surprised to see some more unusual brands and flavors in the cooler this Superbowl Sunday.

Chimney maintenance makes big difference when it comes to safety

(WKTV) - This weekend, Herkimer County firefighters were kept busy with numerous house fires, many of which began in the chimney. And while a chimney and fireplace can keep us toasty and warm in these cold weather months, they can also prove to be a dangerous hazard if not cared for properly.

Schools re-open in Gaza for first time since Israeli offensive

JEBALIYA, GAZA STRIP (WKTV) - Schools have re-opened for the first time in the Gaza Strip since the Israeli offensive.

Catholic Schools consolidate as Diocese reshapes school system

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WKTV) - Two Catholic Elementary Schools in the Utica area will be closing as they combine at Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School to form Notre Dame Elementary School - only part one of a two phase plan.

Oneida County on Austerity Plan to limit spending

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Tough economic times has everyone cutting their budgets and tightening their purse strings - including Oneida County. And Wednesday morning, the county revealed latest plan for cost cutting. Oneida County is now on a 7-point Austerity Plan in order to limit its spending - a plan that is effective immediately.